The oldest trick in my book.... what is yours?

[Dr_Pain]

I've been in the detailing field for over 20 years and although I love playing with new products, new technologies, or new techniques, sometimes it is just fun to go "Old School".

This weekend started like any other weekend in South Louisiana (at this time of the year)..... a major scramble to do all the maintenance washes and seasonal "wash and wax" before the "doodoo" hits the fan. I'm a "Weekend Pro" so Friday, Saturday and Sunday is all I have to offer and I am blessed to be booked solid (with 2 employees). Here is what my weather app was showing Saturday, YUP rain and lots of it

We were able to pack them tight Friday, and was able to do a couple of cars on Saturday morning.... but then came the deluge. The weather forecast predicted rain from around 10am to 4pm.... OUR PRIME TIME!!! We offer a valet service, but there were no delivering car in that kind of weather. So what does a guy do in this kind of weather?? Yup, wash the car in the rain!!! WHAT??? Absolutely, there is no better Old School shortcut than washing a car in the rain, especially when a car does not need to be delivered (or can wait till the ground dries up). So no tears were shed because of the potential downtime.

So what are the advantages of working in the rain??

1. No sun = no rush to avoid water spotting
2. No sun = no soap drying on a panel
3. No sun = cool panels
4. No sun = no sun burns
5. Constant rain = flooding of the car exterior with DEMINERALIZED water
6. Demineralized water = no worries about water spotting
7. No worries about water spotting = no worries about drying the car <---Major time saver!

So what is my process??

STEP #1: A THOROUGH RINSE DOWN, to get rid of all the caked on dirt (and other solids)

STEP #2 A nice "foaming" action to begin cutting down the road grime (only if it is not raining too hard, which would prevent dwell time)

STEP #3 A little dwell time, followed by a 2 BM washing method

As you can see above, the rain starts the rinsing off process (nice foamy beads), but needs to be followed by #4 for good measure.

STEP #4 A through rinse down with the pressure washer followed by a quick inspection

STEP #5 Just forget them in the rain for a good rinse with demineralized water

It goes without saying that this technique only works if it if actually raining, not just a light drizzle which would not "flood" the car enough to flush the hard water minerals you get from the faucet.

Once the sun comes back out the rain will evaporate and you are left with dressing the tires and fender wells and you are good to go (NOTE: Interior is done first in the shop and the vehicle is brought back outside for the wash)

Why don't you share your favorite "old school" technique. Looking forward to your comments

 

[HUMP DIESEL]

Claude, I like the shop pic, I think I remember seeing some more in other forums. Do you have specifics on the shop? I would like to see plans and pics if you have them

If you don't mind.

HUMP

 

[Christopher.Brown]

Claude,

You're fortunate enough to have a clean enough environment for this!!!! Not to mention actually rain you can count on!

I wouldn't chance it in LA due to the pollution in the air.

I couldn't even fathom trying that in cities like Mexico City, Bombay, or Beijing..... eek

 

[Dr_Pain]

Claude,

You're fortunate enough to have a clean enough environment for this!!!! Not to mention actually rain you can count on!

I wouldn't chance it in LA due to the pollution in the air.

I couldn't even fathom trying that in cities like Mexico City, Bombay, or Beijing..... eek

You are absolutely right my friend!! The acid rain pollutants are small in my neck of the wood, but let's be honest and say that your car will be drenched in acid rain no matter what... so the technique is still applicable +/-.

 

[Smitty]

I have done this many times. I know people think I'm crazy but during lovebug and pollen season, I wash everyday and love the heavy rain for its naturally clean rinse.

Sent from my phone when I am supposed to be doing something else.

 

[fdresq4]

Awesome Claude. I used to do this years ago when I lived in an apartment. Is till do it on occasion but will do it more so when we move to Alabama.

Steve

 

[richy]

If your neighbours didn't think you were nuts already...

 

[Corey]

I do the same with out daily drivers.... Lol I see it raining I see time savings in the drying process!! /)/)/) that's me running to the window to see if I still have enough rain in the sky to get the cars done!

Hydro2 is perfect in rain also, so fun [emoji2]

 

[Dr_Pain]

I have done this many times. I know people think I'm crazy but during lovebug and pollen season, I wash everyday and love the heavy rain for its naturally clean rinse.

Sent from my phone when I am supposed to be doing something else.

OH YEAH!!!!!

Awesome Claude. I used to do this years ago when I lived in an apartment. Is till do it on occasion but will do it more so when we move to Alabama.

Steve

Steve, you are moving into the path of most of the weather nastiness we get in Louisiana, so maybe what I should do is message you when we get it bad so you can prepare to wash yours LOL!

If your neighbours didn't think you were nuts already...

LOL! Nuts is definitely a word often used in conjunction with what I do. Just wait till he sees the helicopter about to land at my place for polishing and coating. He will definitely have to pick up his jaw off the ground for that one (and I am not joking)

I do the same with out daily drivers.... Lol I see it raining I see time savings in the drying process!! /)/)/) that's me running to the window to see if I still have enough rain in the sky to get the cars done!

Hydro2 is perfect in rain also, so fun [emoji2]

I thought about Hydro2 but I had reloaded it the last time I washed it

 

[DARK HORSE]

Ahh, nice one Claude! Here's an old trick I've been using for years to repair burns or defects in carpet. Simply go up under a seat (where it can't be seen) with a razor blade and cut out some carpet fibers. Then using a bit of fabric glue, glue them into the defect, and Walla!

Sorry again for the small pics (posted from my phone) Click to enlarge.

 

[Christopher.Brown]

I do the same with out daily drivers.... Lol I see it raining I see time savings in the drying process!! /)/)/) that's me running to the window to see if I still have enough rain in the sky to get the cars done!

Hydro2 is perfect in rain also, so fun [emoji2]

ROFL I can definitely see Corey getting a detailers playtime smile with the onset of some rain.